Heavy rains in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have caused devastating consequences, with eight people killed, the majority of them children, and 12 others injured. Anwar Shahzad, a spokesperson for the local disaster management authority, reported that the downpours caused rooms to collapse, tragically crushing those inside.
Among the fatalities were three young siblings, aged 3 to 7, from the same family. These casualties occurred within the last 24 hours. Pakistan has experienced a delayed winter rain season this year, with downpours beginning in February instead of November. Both monsoon and winter rains frequently cause widespread damage in the country.
Earlier in March, approximately 30 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents within the same northwestern region.
Damage in Afghanistan
Severe flooding has also struck neighboring Afghanistan. Heavy rainfall on March 29th and 30th destroyed over 1,500 acres of agricultural land and severely damaged homes and infrastructure in seven provinces. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported the worst-hit provinces as northern Faryab, eastern Nangarhar, and central Daikundi.
This marks the third time in less than a month that the northern region of Afghanistan has faced severe flooding, resulting in seven deaths and affecting 384 families.
